On the mechanisms improving dual-task performance with pratice [Elektronische Ressource] / von Tilo Strobach

On the mechanisms improving dual-task performance with practice DISSERTATION zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades doctor rerum naturalium (Dr. rer. nat.) im Fach Psychologie eingereicht an der Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät II der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin von Dipl.-Psych. Tilo Strobach geboren am 08.09.1978 in Brandenburg/ H. Präsident der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin: Prof. Dr. Dr. h. c. Christoph Markschies Dekan der Mathematisch Naturwissenschaftlichen Fakultät II: Prof. Dr. Peter A. Frensch Gutachter: 1. Prof. Dr. Torsten Schubert, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München 2. Prof. Dr. Peter A. Frensch, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 3. Prof. Dr. Harold Pashler, University of California, San Diego Tag der Verteidigung: 18.12.2009 Abstract Numerous studies showed that people have difficulty performing two tasks at the same time. This difficulty is indicated by additional performance costs in dual-task situations when compared to single-task situations, i.e. dual-task costs. However, recent evidence has shown a substantial reduction of dual-task costs through practice. The finding of dual-task costs at the beginning and the reduction thereof at the end of practice indicates that this reduction must be accomplished via specific learning mechanisms. Although such mechanisms have been addressed in previous studies, the specific mechanisms contributing to practice related dual-task cost reduction remained unknown.